Inducible knockout of Mef2a, -c, and -d from nestin-expressing stem/progenitor cells and their progeny unexpectedly uncouples neurogenesis and dendritogenesis in vivo

MEF2C contributes to axonal branching by regulating Kif2c transcription

Neurons are post-mitotic cells, with microtubules playing crucial roles in axonal transport and growth. Kinesin family member 2c (KIF2C), a member of the Kinesin-13 family, possesses the ability to depolymerize microtubules and is involved in remodelling the microtubule lattice. Myocyte enhancer factor 2c (MEF2C) was initially identified as a regulator of muscle differentiation but has recently been associated with neurological abnormalities such as severe cognitive impairment, stereotyping, epilepsy and brain malformations when mutated or deleted. However, further investigation is required to determine which target genes MEF2C acts upon to influence neuronal function as a transcription regulator. Our data demonstrate that knockdown of both Mef2c and Kif2c significantly impacts spinal motor neuron development and behaviour in zebrafish. Luciferase reporter assays and chromosome immunoprecipitation assays, along with down/upregulated expression analysis, revealed that MFE2C functions as a novel transcription regulator for the Kif2c gene. Additionally, the knockdown of either Mef2c or Kif2c expression in E18 cortical neurons substantially reduces the number of primary neurites and axonal branches during neuronal development in vitro without affecting neurite length. Finally, depletion of Kif2c eliminated the effects of overexpression of Mef2c on the neurite branching. Based on these findings, we provided novel evidence demonstrating that MEF2C regulates the transcription of the Kif2c gene thereby influencing the axonal branching.

The Mef2c Gene Dose-Dependently Controls Hippocampal Neurogenesis and the Expression of Autism-Like Behaviors

Mutations in the activity-dependent transcription factor MEF2C have been associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. Among these, autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related behavioral deficits are manifested. Multiple animal models that harbor mutations in Mef2c have provided compelling evidence that Mef2c is indeed an ASD gene. However, studies in mice with germline or global brain knock-out of Mef2c are limited in their ability to identify the precise neural substrates and cell types that are required for the expression of Mef2c-mediated ASD behaviors. Given the role of hippocampal neurogenesis in cognitive and social behaviors, in this study we aimed to investigate the role of Mef2c in the structure and function of newly generated dentate granule cells (DGCs) in the postnatal hippocampus and to determine whether disrupted Mef2c function is responsible for manifesting ASD behaviors. Overexpression of Mef2c (Mef2cOE ) arrested the transition of neurogenesis at progenitor stages, as indicated by sustained expression of Sox2+ in Mef2cOE DGCs. Conditional knock-out of Mef2c (Mef2ccko ) allowed neuronal commitment of Mef2ccko cells; however, Mef2ccko impaired not only dendritic arborization and spine formation but also synaptic transmission onto Mef2ccko DGCs. Moreover, the abnormal structure and function of Mef2ccko DGCs led to deficits in social interaction and social novelty recognition, which are key characteristics of ASD behaviors. Thus, our study revealed a dose-dependent requirement of Mef2c in the control of distinct steps of neurogenesis, as well as a critical cell-autonomous function of Mef2c in newborn DGCs in the expression of proper social behavior in both sexes.

Neuronal deletion of phosphatase and tensin homolog in mice results in spatial dysregulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis

Adult neurogenesis is a persistent phenomenon in mammals that occurs in select brain structures in both healthy and diseased brains. The tumor suppressor gene, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten) has previously been found to restrict the proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in vivo. In this study, we aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of how conditional deletion of Pten may regulate the genesis of adult NSPCs in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the subventricular zone bordering the lateral ventricles. Using conventional markers and stereology, we quantified multiple stages of neurogenesis, including proliferating cells, immature neurons (neuroblasts), and apoptotic cells in several regions of the dentate gyrus, including the subgranular zone (SGZ), outer granule cell layer (oGCL), molecular layer, and hilus at 4 and 10 weeks of age. Our data demonstrate that conditional deletion of Pten in mice produces successive increases in dentate gyrus proliferating cells and immature neuroblasts, which confirms the known negative roles Pten has on cell proliferation and maturation. Specifically, we observe a significant increase in Ki67+ proliferating cells in the neurogenic SGZ at 4 weeks of age, but not 10 weeks of age. We also observe a delayed increase in neuroblasts at 10 weeks of age. However, our study expands on previous work by providing temporal, subregional, and neurogenesis-stage resolution. Specifically, we found that Pten deletion initially increases cell proliferation in the neurogenic SGZ, but this increase spreads to non-neurogenic dentate gyrus areas, including the hilus, oGCL, and molecular layer, as mice age. We also observed region-specific increases in apoptotic cells in the dentate gyrus hilar region that paralleled the regional increases in Ki67+ cells. Our work is accordant with the literature showing that Pten serves as a negative regulator of dentate gyrus neurogenesis but adds temporal and spatial components to the existing knowledge.

The Role of MEF2 Transcription Factor Family in Neuronal Survival and Degeneration

The family of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors comprises four highly conserved members that play an important role in the nervous system. They appear in precisely defined time frames in the developing brain to turn on and turn off genes affecting growth, pruning and survival of neurons. MEF2s are known to dictate neuronal development, synaptic plasticity and restrict the number of synapses in the hippocampus, thus affecting learning and memory formation. In primary neurons, negative regulation of MEF2 activity by external stimuli or stress conditions is known to induce apoptosis, albeit the pro or antiapoptotic action of MEF2 depends on the neuronal maturation stage. By contrast, enhancement of MEF2 transcriptional activity protects neurons from apoptotic death both in vitro and in preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases. A growing body of evidence places this transcription factor in the center of many neuropathologies associated with age-dependent neuronal dysfunctions or gradual but irreversible neuron loss. In this work, we discuss how the altered function of MEF2s during development and in adulthood affecting neuronal survival may be linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.

Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2A Plays a Central Role in the Regulatory Networks of Cellular Physiopathology

Cell regulatory networks are the determinants of cellular homeostasis. Any alteration to these networks results in the disturbance of cellular homeostasis and induces cells towards different fates. Myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) is one of four members of the MEF2 family of transcription factors (MEF2A-D). MEF2A is highly expressed in all tissues and is involved in many cell regulatory networks including growth, differentiation, survival and death. It is also necessary for heart development, myogenesis, neuronal development and differentiation. In addition, many other important functions of MEF2A have been reported. Recent studies have shown that MEF2A can regulate different, and sometimes even mutually exclusive cellular events. How MEF2A regulates opposing cellular life processes is an interesting topic and worthy of further exploration. Here, we reviewed almost all MEF2A research papers published in English and summarized them into three main sections: 1) the association of genetic variants in MEF2A with cardiovascular disease, 2) the physiopathological functions of MEF2A, and 3) the regulation of MEF2A activity and its regulatory targets. In summary, multiple regulatory patterns for MEF2A activity and a variety of co-factors cause its transcriptional activity to switch to different target genes, thereby regulating opposing cell life processes. The association of MEF2A with numerous signaling molecules establishes a central role for MEF2A in the regulatory network of cellular physiopathology.

Neuroprotection against 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced cytotoxicity by naturally occurring polydatin through activation of transcription factor MEF2D

Polydatin is the major active ingredient of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. Et Zucc. A recent study indicated that polydatin could protect against substantia nigra dopaminergic degeneration in rodent models associated with Parkinson's disease. However, mechanisms that underlie the neuroprotection of polydatin have not been fully elucidated. In the current study, the neuroprotective effects and detailed mechanisms of action of polydatin were investigated in Parkinson's disease-related cellular models. Polydatin dose- and time-dependently prevented neurotoxicity caused by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) in primary cerebellar granule neurons. Moreover, we found that polydatin enhanced the activity of the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D) at both basal and pathological conditions using luciferase reporter gene assay. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed that polydatin could downregulate glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which is a negative regulator of MEF2D. Molecular docking simulations finally suggested an interaction between polydatin and a hydrophobic pocket within GSK3β. All these results suggest that polydatin prevents MPP+-induced neurotoxicity via enhancing MEF2D through the inhibition of GSK3β and that treatment with polydatin is worthy of further anti-Parkinson's disease study in future.

Involvement of myocyte enhancer factor 2c in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder

Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), a family of transcription factor of MADS (minichromosome maintenance 1, agamous, deficiens and serum response factor)-box family needed in the growth and differentiation of a variety of human cells, such as neural, immune, endothelial, and muscles. As per existing literature, MEF2 transcription factors have also been associated with synaptic plasticity, the developmental mechanisms governing memory and learning, and several neurologic conditions, like autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Recent genomic findings have ascertained a link between MEF2 defects, particularly in the MEF2C isoform and the ASD. In this review, we summarized a concise overview of the general regulation, structure and functional roles of the MEF2C transcription factor. We further outlined the potential role of MEF2C as a risk factor for various neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD, MEF2C Haploinsufficiency Syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.

MEF2 (Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2) Is Essential for Endothelial Homeostasis and the Atheroprotective Gene Expression Program

OBJECTIVE

Atherosclerosis predominantly forms in regions of oscillatory shear stress while regions of laminar shear stress are protected. This protection is partly through the endothelium in laminar flow regions expressing an anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic gene expression program. Several molecular pathways transmitting these distinct flow patterns to the endothelium have been defined. Our objective is to define the role of the MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2) family of transcription factors in promoting an atheroprotective endothelium. Approach and Results: Here, we show through endothelial-specific deletion of the 3 MEF2 factors in the endothelium, Mef2a, -c, and -d, that MEF2 is a critical regulator of vascular homeostasis. MEF2 deficiency results in systemic inflammation, hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, and rapid lethality. Transcriptome analysis reveals that MEF2 is required for normal regulation of 3 pathways implicated in determining the flow responsiveness of the endothelium. Specifically, MEF2 is required for expression of Klf2 and Klf4, 2 partially redundant factors essential for promoting an anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic endothelium. This critical requirement results in phenotypic similarities between endothelial-specific deletions of Mef2a/c/d and Klf2/4. In addition, MEF2 regulates the expression of Notch family genes, Notch1, Dll1, and Jag1, which also promote an atheroprotective endothelium. In contrast to these atheroprotective pathways, MEF2 deficiency upregulates an atherosclerosis promoting pathway through increasing the amount of TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results implicate MEF2 as a critical upstream regulator of several transcription factors responsible for gene expression programs that affect development of atherosclerosis and promote an anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic endothelium. Graphic Abstract: A graphic abstract is available for this article.

Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Major Depressive Disorder and Alzheimer's Disease

Depression and dementia are major public health problems. Major depressive disorder (MDD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) reciprocally elevate the risk for one another. No effective drug is available to treat AD and about one-third of depressive patients show treatment resistance. The biological connection between MDD and AD is still unclear. Uncovering this link might open novel ways of treatment and prevention to improve patient healthcare. Here, we discuss recent studies specifically on the role of human adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in MDD and AD. We compare diverse approaches to analyse the effect of MDD and AD on human AHN and analyse different studies implicating the role of human AHN as a potential converging mechanism in MDD and AD.

MEF2C and HDAC5 regulate Egr1 and Arc genes to increase dendritic spine density and complexity in early enriched environment

We investigated the effects of environmental enrichment during critical period of early postnatal life and how it interplays with the epigenome to affect experience-dependent visual cortical plasticity. Mice raised in an EE from birth to during CP have increased spine density and dendritic complexity in the visual cortex. EE upregulates synaptic plasticity genes, Arc and Egr1, and a transcription factor MEF2C. We also observed an increase in MEF2C binding to the promoters of Arc and Egr1. In addition, pups raised in EE show a reduction in HDAC5 and its binding to promoters of Mef2c, Arc and Egr1 genes. With an overexpression of Mef2c, neurite outgrowth increased in complexity. Our results suggest a possible underlying molecular mechanism of EE, acting through MEF2C and HDAC5, which drive Arc and Egr1. This could lead to the observed increased dendritic spine density and complexity induced by early EE.

In Silico Exploration of Conformational Dynamics and Novel Inhibitors for Targeting MEF2-Associated Transcriptional Activity

Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2; MEF2A-MEF2D) transcription factors regulate gene expression in a variety of developmental processes by binding to AT-rich DNA motifs via highly conserved N-terminal extensions known as MADS-box and MEF2 domains. Despite the fact that MEF2 proteins exhibit high similarity at their N-terminal regions and share a common consensus DNA binding motif, their functional preferences may vary significantly in the adjacent regions to the DNA binding core segment. The current study delineates the conformational paradigm, clustered recognition, and comparative DNA binding preferences for MEF2A and MEF2B-specific MADS-box/MEF2 domains at the YTA(A/T)4TAR consensus motif. In both MEF2A and MEF2B proteins, α1-helix plays a crucial role through acquiring more flexibility by attaining loop conformation. In comparison to apo-MEF2, an outward disposition of the distal portion of α1-helix and movement of its proximal part to β1 allows synergistic repositioning of the α1-α2 linker, C-terminal region, and MEF2 domain, resulting in the formation of a hydrophobic groove for DNA binding. In both instances, conformational switching of the helical content is the main contributing factor while preserving the overall β-topology to maintain the inside-out conformation of subdivided α1-helix flip. Multivariate statistical analysis reveals that MEF2B obscures less accessible conformational space for DNA binding as compared to the MEF2A-DNA complex. The presence of similar structural requirements and conserved residues including Arg10, Phe21, and Arg24 in accentuating the MEF2-specific DNA recognition mechanism led us to perform structure-based virtual screening for isolating novel inhibitors that are able to target MEF2-DNA binding regions. The top hits (acetamide, benzamide, carboxamide, and enamide) obtained through preliminary assay were scrutinized to binding potential analysis at the MEF2-DNA binding groove, energy values, absorption, distribution, toxicity, and Lipinski's rule of five assessments. Based on these findings, we propose valuable active drug-like molecules for selective applications against MEF2A and MEF2B. The current study may help in uncovering the atomistic-level mechanistic DNA binding patterns of MEF2 proteins, and data may be valuable in devising effective therapeutic strategies for MEF2-associated disorders.

Emerging roles for MEF2 in brain development and mental disorders

The MEF2 family of transcription factors regulate large programs of gene expression important for the development and maintenance of many tissues, including the brain. MEF2 proteins are regulated by neuronal synaptic activity, and they recruit several epigenetic enzymes to influence chromatin structure and gene expression during development and throughout adulthood. Here, we provide a brief review of the recent literature reporting important roles for MEF2 during early brain development and function, and we highlight emerging roles for MEF2 as a risk factor for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illnesses, such as autism, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia.

Oxytocin alters the morphology of hypothalamic neurons via the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF-2A)

Oxytocin (OT) has gained attention not only as anxiolytic drug and as potential treatment option for autistic children; it also acts as a growth and differentiation factor in neuronal cells. While behavioral effects of OT have been studied in detail, knowledge about the cellular effects of OT is relatively sparse. In this study, we present evidence for three hypotheses: 1) OT leads to neurite retraction in hypothalamic neurons via the OT receptor (OTR) 2) The transcription factor MEF-2A is a central regulator of OT-induced neurite retraction, and 3) The MAPK pathway is critical for OT-induced MEF-2A activation. Incubation of rat hypothalamic H32 cells with 10 nM to 1 μM OT, vasopressin, and the specific OTR agonist TGOT, over the course of 12 h resulted in a time-dependent, significant retraction of neurites. In addition, the size of the nuclear compartment increased, whereas the overall cell size remained unchanged. OT treatment for 10 h increased the cellular viability significantly, and this effect could be blocked by a specific OTR antagonist, providing evidence for a specific and pro-active effect of OT on neurite retraction, and not as an unspecific side effect of apoptosis. The molecular mechanism that controls OT-induced neurite retraction includes a reduced phosphorylation of the transcription factor MEF-2A at Serine 408 (S408). This dephosphorylation is under the control of the OTR-coupled MAPK pathway, as blocking MEK1/2 by U0126 inhibited MEF-2A activation and subsequent neurite retraction. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of MEF-2A prevented the OT-induced neurite retraction, providing direct evidence for a role of MEF-2A in morphological alterations induced by OT treatment. In summary, the present study reveals a previously unknown OTR-coupled MAPK-MEF-2A pathway, which is responsible for OT-induced neurite retraction of hypothalamic neurons.

Selective Nonnuclear Estrogen Receptor Activation Decreases Stroke Severity and Promotes Functional Recovery in Female Mice

Estrogens provide neuroprotection in animal models of stroke, but uterotrophic effects and cancer risk limit translation. Classic estrogen receptors (ERs) serve as transcription factors, whereas nonnuclear ERs govern numerous cell processes and exert beneficial cardiometabolic effects without uterine or breast cancer growth in mice. Here, we determined how nonnuclear ER stimulation with pathway-preferential estrogen (PaPE)-1 affects stroke outcome in mice. Ovariectomized female mice received vehicle, estradiol (E2), or PaPE-1 before and after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo). Lesion severity was assessed with MRI, and poststroke motor function was evaluated through 2 weeks after tMCAo. Circulating, spleen, and brain leukocyte subpopulations were quantified 3 days after tMCAo by flow cytometry, and neurogenesis and angiogenesis were evaluated histologically 2 weeks after tMCAo. Compared with vehicle, E2 and PaPE-1 reduced infarct volumes at 3 days after tMCAo, though only PaPE-1 reduced leukocyte infiltration into the ischemic brain. Unlike E2, PaPE-1 had no uterotrophic effect. Both interventions had negligible effect on long-term poststroke neuronal or vascular plasticity. All mice displayed a decline in motor performance at 2 days after tMCAo, and vehicle-treated mice did not improve thereafter. In contrast, E2 and PaPE-1 treatment afforded functional recovery at 6 days after tMCAo and beyond. Thus, the selective activation of nonnuclear ER by PaPE-1 decreased stroke severity and improved functional recovery in mice without undesirable uterotrophic effects. The beneficial effects of PaPE-1 are also associated with attenuated neuroinflammation in the brain. PaPE-1 and similar molecules may warrant consideration as efficacious ER modulators providing neuroprotection without detrimental effects on the uterus or cancer risk.

HDAC4 in ischemic stroke: mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and the majority of the cases are ischemic stroke. However, it still lacks effective treatment except for thrombolytic therapy in an extremely narrow time window. Increased evidence suggests that histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) was dysregulated in ischemic stroke, which plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and post-stroke recovery by affecting neuronal death, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis. Therefore, we aim to review the dysregulation of HDAC4 in ischemic stroke and the role of dysregulated HDAC4 in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of modulating HDAC4 in ischemic stroke is discussed.

Drosophila mef2 is essential for normal mushroom body and wing development

MEF2 (myocyte enhancer factor 2) transcription factors are found in the brain and muscle of insects and vertebrates and are essential for the differentiation of multiple cell types. We show that in the fruit fly Drosophila, MEF2 is essential for the formation of mushroom bodies in the embryonic brain and for the normal development of wings in the adult. In embryos mutant for mef2, there is a striking reduction in the number of mushroom body neurons and their axon bundles are not detectable. The onset of MEF2 expression in neurons of the mushroom bodies coincides with their formation in the embryo and, in larvae, expression is restricted to post-mitotic neurons. In flies with a mef2 point mutation that disrupts nuclear localization, we find that MEF2 is restricted to a subset of Kenyon cells that project to the α/β, and γ axonal lobes of the mushroom bodies, but not to those forming the α’/β’ lobes.

Summary:Drosophila mef2 expression is restricted to subsets of mushroom body neurons, from the time of their differentiation to adulthood, and is essential for mushroom body formation.

The transcription factor MEF2A plays a key role in the differentiation/maturation of rat neural stem cells into neurons

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are self-renewing multipotent stem cells that can be proliferated in vitro and differentiated into neuronal and/or glial lineages, making them an ideal model to study the processes involved in neuronal differentiation. Here we have used NSCs to investigate the role of the transcription factor MEF2A in neuronal differentiation and development in vitro. We show that although MEF2A is present in undifferentiated NSCs, following differentiation it is expressed at significantly higher levels in a subset of neuronal compared to non-neuronal cells. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated knockdown of MEF2A reduces the number of NSC-derived neurons compared to non-neuronal cells after differentiation. Together, these data indicate that MEF2A participates in neuronal differentiation/maturation from NSCs.

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Undifferentiated and differentiated neural stem cells (NSCs) express MEF2A in vitro.

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NSC-derived neurons express more MEF2A than NSC-derived glia.

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Ablating MEF2A reduces NSC differentiation into neurons.

Stimulation of entorhinal cortex-dentate gyrus circuitry is antidepressive

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is considered a “circuitopathy”, and brain stimulation therapies hold promise for ameliorating MDD symptoms, including hippocampal dysfunction. It is unknown if stimulation of upstream hippocampal circuitry, such as the entorhinal cortex (Ent), is antidepressive, although Ent stimulation improves learning and memory in lab animals and humans. Here we show molecular targeting (Ent-specific knockdown of a psychosocial stress-induced protein) and chemogenetic stimulation of Ent neurons induce antidepressive-like effects in mice. Mechanistically, we show that Ent stimulation-induced antidepressive-like behavior relies on the generation of new hippocampal neurons. Thus, controlled stimulation of Ent hippocampal afferents is antidepressive via increased hippocampal neurogenesis. These findings emphasize the power and potential of Ent glutamatergic afferent stimulation - previously well known for the ability to influence learning and memory - for MDD treatment.

MEF2 signaling and human diseases

The members of myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 (MEF2) protein family was previously believed to function in the development of heart and muscle. Recent reports indicate that they are also closely associated with development and progression of many human diseases. Although their role in cancer biology is well established, the molecular mechanisms underlying their action is yet largely unknown. MEF2 family is closely associated with various signaling pathways, including Ca²⁺ signaling, MAP kinase signaling, Wnt signaling, PI3K/Akt signaling, etc. microRNAs also contribute to regulate the activities of MEF2. In this review, we summarize the known molecular mechanism by which MEF2 family contribute to human diseases.

Transcription Factors: Potential Cell Death Markers in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with a long preclinical phase. The continuous loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons is one of the pathogenic hallmarks of PD. Diagnosis largely depends on clinical observation, but motor dysfunctions do not emerge until 70%-80% of the nigrostriatal nerve terminals have been destroyed. Therefore, a biomarker that indicates the degeneration of DA neurons is urgently needed. Transcription factors are sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins that regulate RNA synthesis from a DNA template. The precise control of gene expression plays a critical role in the development, maintenance, and survival of cells, including DA neurons. Deficiency of certain transcription factors has been associated with DA neuron loss and PD. In this review, we focus on some transcription factors and discuss their structure, function, mechanisms of neuroprotection, and their potential for use as biomarkers indicating the degeneration of DA neurons.

Stress-Induced Anxiety- and Depressive-Like Phenotype Associated with Transient Reduction in Neurogenesis in Adult Nestin-CreERT2/Diphtheria Toxin Fragment A Transgenic Mice

Depression and anxiety involve hippocampal dysfunction, but the specific relationship between these mood disorders and adult hippocampal dentate gyrus neurogenesis remains unclear. In both humans with MDD and rodent models of depression, administration of antidepressants increases DG progenitor and granule cell number, yet rodents with induced ablation of DG neurogenesis typically do not demonstrate depressive- or anxiety-like behaviors. The conflicting data may be explained by the varied duration and degree to which adult neurogenesis is reduced in different rodent neurogenesis ablation models. In order to test this hypothesis we examined how a transient–rather than permanent–inducible reduction in neurogenesis would alter depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. Transgenic Nestin-CreER^T2/floxed diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) mice (Cre+DTA+) and littermates (Cre+DTA-; control) were given tamoxifen (TAM) to induce recombination and decrease nestin-expressing stem cells and their progeny. The decreased neurogenesis was transient: 12 days post-TAM Cre+DTA+ mice had fewer DG proliferating Ki67+ cells and fewer DCX+ neuroblasts/immature neurons relative to control, but 30 days post-TAM Cre+DTA+ mice had the same DCX+ cell number as control. This ability of DG neurogenesis to recover after partial ablation also correlated with changes in behavior. Relative to control, Cre+DTA+ mice tested between 12–30 days post-TAM displayed indices of a stress-induced anxiety phenotype–longer latency to consume highly palatable food in the unfamiliar cage in the novelty-induced hypophagia test, and a depression phenotype–longer time of immobility in the tail suspension test, but Cre+DTA+ mice tested after 30 days post-TAM did not. These findings suggest a functional association between adult neurogenesis and stress induced anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, where induced reduction in DCX+ cells at the time of behavioral testing is coupled with stress-induced anxiety and a depressive phenotype, and recovery of DCX+ cell number corresponds to normalization of these behaviors.

Lead exposure induced microgliosis and astrogliosis in hippocampus of young mice potentially by triggering TLR4-MyD88-NFκB signaling cascades

Proper proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells or progenitors in hippocampus is critical to learn and memory functions, which might be disturbed by lead toxicity particularly in young individuals. While astroglial and microglial cells are known to play an important role in regulating neurogenesis of hippocampus, their abnormal response and influence on hippocampal neurogenesis remains unclear. In this study, therefore, glial response including microgliosis, astrogliogenesis and mediating involvement of TLR4-MyD88-NFκB signaling cascades were observed in hippocampus of young mice by animal model with lead (plumbum, Pb) exposure. It revealed that (1) significant microglial activation occurred in hippocampus soon following Pb exposure; (2) increased levels of TLR4, MyD88, NFκB expression were concomitantly detected; (3) BrdU-incorporated progenitor cells were observed in dentate gyrus with significantly-increased numbers at d28 in Pb insult group; (4) obvious astrogliogenesis was observed while these doublecortin-labeled differentiated neurons were not significantly changed in hippocampus; (5) administration of MyD88 inhibitory peptide attenuated or relieved above effects; (6) enhanced expression levels of IL-1β, TNFα, p38MAPK and ERK1/2 were also detected in hippocampus, indicating potential implication of inflammatory response and MAPK signaling activation in lead-induced microgliosis and astrogliosis. Data of this study overall have indicated that lead exposure could trigger or induce abnormal microgliosis and astrogliogenesis in the hippocampus of young mice through triggering TLR4-MyD88-NFκB signaling cascades, which might possibly thereafter disturb hippocampal neurogenesis and functional plasticity.